PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) The regular Session of the 102nd General Assembly will please come to order. Will the Members please be at their desks? The invocation today is by Pastor Stephen Lawrence, Exodus Church of Springfield, Springfield, Illinois.
(Prayer led by Pastor Stephen Lawrence)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Johnson, would you please lead us in the Pledge?
(Pledge of Allegiance, led by Senator Johnson)
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) WBEZ seeks leave of the Body to audio record. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. ABC-7 Chicago seeks leave to videotape. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Politico, seeks leave of the Body to photograph via telephone. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. And Blueroomstream seeks to video stream. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Mr. Secretary, Reading and Approval of the Journal.
Senate Journal of Friday, January 6th, 2023.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Hunter.
Mr. -- Mr. President, I move to postpone the reading and approval of the Journal just read by the Secretary, pending arrival of printed transcripts.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Hunter moves to postpone the reading and approval of 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 121st Legislative Day 1/8/2023 the Journal, pending arrival of the printed transcripts. There being no objection, so ordered. Mr. Secretary, Messages from the House.
A Message from the House by Mr. Hollman, Clerk. Mr. President - I am directed to inform the Senate the House of Representatives has concurred with the Senate in the passage of a bill of the following title, to wit: Senate Bill 1720. Together with the following amendment which is attached, in the adoption of which I am instructed to ask the concurrence of the Senate, to wit: House Amendment 3 to Senate Bill 1720. Passed the House, as amended, January 6th, 2023. John W. Hollman, Clerk of the House.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Rose, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
Yeah, point of personal privilege.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) State your point.
Alright, first of all, nice to see you this evening, President. For the first time in my life, I was early tonight. I was here at 4:58, which was two minutes before required time. We started at 5:33. I've noticed two things, and -- and I got this idea. Everybody knows about the whole Elon Musk, tracker guy, the guy that tracks wherever Musk goes. I've noticed that if Hoffmann appears, it's less than ten minutes before we start, and if Gio 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 121st Legislative Day 1/8/2023 appears, it's less than five minutes before we start. So, I'm going to start a new Hoffmann/Gio tracker for the rest of us to know what time we actually have to be here. I think that would go over very well. We'd very -- I think all of us -- would -- thank you to Hoffmann and the new Gio tracker, which I also think was a vehicle from the 1990s. They were very nice, stylish, came in convertible option, as well. So, the Gio/Hoffmann tracker will be available for the new General Assembly and then we'll all know what time to actually be here. Thank you, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Thank you for your observation. You get a star for today. Would everyone within the sound of my voice please come to the Senate Floor? Everyone, please come to the Senate Floor. Mr. Secretary, Resolutions.
Senate Resolution 1381, offered by Senator Feigenholtz and all Members. It is a celebration of life resolution, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Resolutions Consent Calendar. The Daily Line seeks leave of the Body for audio and photographs. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. The Committee on Assignments please meet in the front room. Committee on Assignments please meet in the front room. (at ease) Mr. Secretary, Committee Reports.
Senator Cunningham, (Vice) Chair of the Committee on Assignments, reports the following Legislative Measures have been assigned: Be Approved for Consideration - Motion to Concur with House Amendment 3 to Senate Bill 1720, House Bill 2870, Floor 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 121st Legislative Day 1/8/2023 Amendment 4 to House Bill 969, Floor Amendment 4 to House Bill 4412. Signed, Senator Bill Cunningham, (Vice) Chair.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) This is final action. We're going to third readings. We're going to be on page 2, up towards the top of the page. We have House Bill 1688. Senator Villa, are you ready for House Bill 1688? Mr. Secretary, please read the bill. Senator Villa seeks leave of the Body to return House Bill 1688 to the Order of 2nd Reading. Leave is granted. Now on the Order of 2nd Reading is House Bill 1688. Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Villa.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Villa, to explain your amendment.
Thank -- thank you, Mr. President. I'd like to adopt the amendment and explain it on 3rd.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Is there any discussion? All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) 3rd Reading. Now on the Order of 3rd Reading is House Bill 1688. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 121st Legislative Day 1/8/2023 House Bill 1688. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Villa, to explain your bill.
Thank you. House Bill 1688 establishes two classes of school bus driver permits to conform the Vehicle Code to the way in which the Secretary of State has been processing school bus driver permit applications. One permit for first division vehicles and a permit for second division vehicles. It will establish an initial course and annual refresher training courses for the first division school bus driver permit and maintain the existing courses for the second division school bus driver permit. This bill will adjust the school bus driver shortage by shortening the turnaround time to process applications for school bus driver permits and for first and second division vehicles. The Floor amendment simply pushes the effective date back to January 1st, 2024. This removes all opposition. I urge an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Is there any discussion? Senator Bryant.
Thank you, Mr. President. Will the sponsor yield for a…?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) She indicates she will yield
We have a really difficult time in the more rural areas finding bus drivers right now, and a lot of that is the number of mandates that we've placed on them. Does this bill -- have any new 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 121st Legislative Day 1/8/2023 requirements for bus drivers? So, in other words, is this piling on some new mandates?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Villa.
No, it does not.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Bryant.
In the refresher courses that are required, I believe that bus drivers have to take those refresher -- have to take some refresher courses now. Are these additional refresher courses or new -- something -- a new way of doing it?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Villa.
It simply creates a second training. So, currently everyone who drives the busses, even the small vans that transport mostly students who are in special education, they have to take the same license test as everyone else. So, even if you're never going to drive like the big yellow school bus, you still have to take the same kind of training. So, this actually just makes it easier, hopefully to get more bus drivers, the ones that drive the smaller vehicles.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Bryant.
One, I think just one more question then. So, years -- years ago, if you were driving a church van, it required a certain 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 121st Legislative Day 1/8/2023 designation. So a lot of churches, instead of buying the big bus or whatever, went to seven -- instead of a fifteen-passenger van, went to two seven-passenger vans. Some schools now have like seven passenger vans, so that they can take the smaller groups, or so that teachers can go to events, things like this. This will not create an environment where a school has to go and buy a larger vehicle. Right? They can still have their seven-passenger van, and this will make it easier for them, not harder. Is that what you're saying?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Villa.
That's -- that is correct. So, first division vehicles used are -- are talking about vehicles that are designated for ten people or less.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Bryant.
Thank you. It sounds like a good bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Any further discussion? Seeing none, Senator Villa to close.
I urge an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) So, I want to just ask everybody, is their computer working. Are you ready to vote? Computers are all up and running? The question is, shall House Bill 1688 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 121st Legislative Day 1/8/2023 record. On that question, there are 51 voting Yea, none voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 1688, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. The State Journal Register seeks leave of the Body to record audio and video. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. We're going to move down the page on page 2 a little bit, to House Bill 4412. Senator Cunningham seeks leave of the Body to return House Bill 4412 to the Order of 2nd Reading, leave is granted. Now on the Order of 2nd Reading is House Bill 4420 -- 12 {sic} (4412). Mr. Secretary, are there any Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 1, offered by Senator Cunningham.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Cunningham, to explain your amendment.
Thank you, Mr. President. Amendment No. 1, becomes the main body of the bill. I move for its adoption and will describe it during 3rd reading.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Is there any discussion? All those in favor, will say Aye. Opposed, Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 2, offered by Senator Cunningham.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Cunningham, on your amendment.
Mr. President, I move that we table Amendment No. 2.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 121st Legislative Day 1/8/2023 Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 3, offered by Senator Cunningham.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Cunningham, on your amendment.
Likewise, Mr. President. I do not wish to adopt Floor Amendment No. 3.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
Floor Amendment No. 4, offered by Senator Cunningham.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Cunningham, on your amendment.
Thank you, Mr. President. Floor Amendment No. 4 addresses several issues that we talked about when this bill was up in committee a couple of days ago. Specifically, it removes language regarding the term of the IPA -- I -- IPA Director. Keeping it at a two-year term. Also changes language concerning potential appropriations for MISO region rebates. It clarifies the IPA's obligation to report the results of the Public School Carbon-Free assessment report and clarifies the intent of the community based organizations as they serve in the Climate Works Preapprenticeship Program.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Is there any discussion? Senator Rezin, is this on the 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 121st Legislative Day 1/8/2023 amendment?
No.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) All those in favor will say Aye. Opposed Nay. The Ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Mr. Secretary, are there any further Floor amendments approved for consideration?
No further amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) 3rd Reading. And now on the Order of 3rd Reading is House Bill 4412. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 4412. (Secretary reads title of bill) 3rd Reading of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Cunningham, if you'll explain your bill.
Thank you, Mr. President. The bill, as amended, makes a handful of changes related to energy policy in the State of Illinois. First, its reform siting requirements for wind and solar projects by taking best practices that are currently in place in a number of counties and applying them statewide. Second, the bill creates a mechanism for financial relief for ratepayers in the MISO zone. However, that rebate is subject to appropriation. As I mentioned in describing the amendment, it makes a handful of technical changes related to the IPA and for -- and training hubs in the Carbon-Free Assessment program. This bill has wide support 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 121st Legislative Day 1/8/2023 from organized labor, from environmental groups, and I think it's very important if we're going to move forward with some of the goals we have regarding the expansion of renewable energy, that we adopt these changes. Not only will it help us reach our goals for renewable energy, it will get new generation into the MISO zone, which will help staunch some of the price pressures that consumers have had to shoulder the last couple of months. Appreciate the Chamber's support and I'm certainly open to taking any questions.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Is there any discussion? Senator Rezin.
Question for the sponsor, please. Mr…
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Sponsor indicates he'll lead -- yield.
Thank you, Senator Cunningham. So, essentially, -- this bill is going to take away all local control from every county in the entire State regarding siting for wind farms. Is that correct?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Cunningham.
No, that is not correct. This bill still allows for local input on permitting projects, on holding hearings on projects. What this bill does do, however, is place guardrails in place. What we're trying to do is put in place workable rules that allow for local input, but do not allow for local authorities to put such stringent requirements in place, as to completely shut those areas off for development. We have a number of areas in the State, in the primary regions for, particularly for, wind development in 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 121st Legislative Day 1/8/2023 this State, that have very reasonable siting rules. And we've seen all sorts of development. We have other counties that have much more restrictive rules in place and that has stymied development. And that's what we're trying to address in this bill by allowing for local input, but putting guardrails on how restrictive those siting requirements can be.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Rezin.
Thank you. So, when you talk about -- Senator, when you talk about guardrails and reasonable siting rules, you talked about several counties that you consider have reasonable siting rules. I'm assuming that's what you mean when this bill puts into place guardrails. So, it's my understanding, and correct me if I'm wrong, that you will -- if this is passed, every county, then, will have to abide by the reasonable siting rules or guardrails and will not be able to turn away a project, a wind farm project in their county. Is that correct?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Cunningham.
No, they will still be able to place restrictions on projects and those -- if those projects do not meet those restrictions, they could not permit them, but they cannot be excessive in the restrictions they put in place.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Rezin.
Senator, who -- who, when you say restrictions -- let me go 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 121st Legislative Day 1/8/2023 back. Again, the county is allowed to have a hearing, however, in this bill, is it correct that you can only deny a -- or that you cannot deny a project if they have what you call reasonable siting rules or guardrails that are set forth in this bill?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Cunningham.
So, just to clarify, a county can put an ordinance in place with restrictions on development. They just cannot exceed the restrictions that are put forth in this bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Rezin.
So, Senator, when you say that they cannot exceed the restrictions that will be in this bill, where are the restrictions coming from? Who's -- who's setting the siting standards? Who's setting the guardrails?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Cunningham.
So, that -- that is actually in the bill, what those guardrails are. Those were adopted in consultation with developers and other -- and local officials, based on best practices that are in place in a number of counties. As I said, there are a number of counties. We can see it as we drive around the State. We see there are a number of counties that have very reasonable zoning ordinances in effect, and we've seen development in those counties. There are others who have passed de facto bans of renewable development, and that's what this bill is attempting to address. 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 121st Legislative Day 1/8/2023
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Rezin.
So, Senator, what I -- what I understand from what you just said is, that a county will not be able to refuse a -- the developer who wants to invest in a wind project in their county, if this bill is passed. Is that correct?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Cunningham.
No, the -- the county still permits the project. This bill simply puts -- puts guardrails in effect on how restrictive the zoning requirements can be.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Rezin.
Thank you, Mr. President. I'm going to answer this question one more time -- or ask this question one more time, unless I am confused. It is my understanding, in this bill -- this bill is going to set forth guardrails or siting standards that are reasonable in the eyes of the developers. And then, once this bill is passed and those guardrails are in effect, the county cannot - - the county cannot deter a wind farm from coming into their county if the guardrails are in effect in this bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Cunningham.
I guess simply just repeat myself. So, these are guidelines that are in place in a number of counties right now, that allow 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 121st Legislative Day 1/8/2023 for development. We've taken those best practices. We've put them in the statute. If a development fits within the guardrails of what's in the statute right now, then the county could not deny the -- could not deny the permit by effectively putting in more restrictive guidelines.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Rezin.
Thank you, Mr. President. One more question, and then I'll go to the bill. In your siting standards, Senator Cunningham, how -- what are the setbacks in your siting standards that you refer to?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Cunningham.
If you can give me just a minute to consult with counsel on that. They're a lot of detail to that answer. Okay, Senator, I can give you a -- a couple of lines of the bill that set what these standards are. For instance, setback distance is 2.1 times the maximum blade tip height of the wind tower to the nearest point on the outside wall of the structure, 1.1 times the maximum blade tip height of the wind tower to the nearest point on the outside wall of the structure, 2. -- for nonparticipating residences, 2.1 times the maximum blade tip height of the wind tower to the nearest point of the outside wall structure. There are -- there is another page of similar restrictions that are in the bill on page 24, and 25, and 26 of the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Rezin.
15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 121st Legislative Day 1/8/2023 Thank you. We did a -- kind of a, calculation based off of what was just read, and the 2.1 times that were referred to, in our estimation, is the equivalent of two blocks or 6 to 700 feet. To the bill, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Cunningham.
To the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) To the bill.
Thank you. Ladies and Gentlemen. Just so you know, this is a complete overreach by the State of Illinois. If this bill passes, Illinois will be the only state in the entire country, the only state in the entire country that has taken away local control. That will say, you know what, if you don't want the wind farms in your county, it doesn't matter. As long as the developers submit their development within the siting standards, they can put a wind farm within six to seven-hundred feet of the closest home. Illinois will become a no local-control renewable state, nor a state approved system. Just so you know, in -- according to NCSL in 2020, twenty-two states have strong local control siting rules. Twenty- one states have hybrid either local or state control. We don't -- meaning, you have to go through your local government, or you have to go to through the state commission, the equivalent of the ICC, to have your project approved. This bill says you don't have to go through any of them. Your project will automatically be approved if it falls within the siting standards that the developers have given -- given the sponsor on this bill. And four states have state 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 121st Legislative Day 1/8/2023 controls for their commissions to approve the site. So again, any time we have a bill that is going to completely take away the power of our local governments to site massive projects in your backyard, and I get it, many of my colleagues from Chicago don't understand just because of where you're located, the challenges that the wind farms, and we understand why we need wind farms, but there are some people, some counties, who just do not want them in their backyard. So, because of that, I ask for a No vote. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Is there further discussion? Senator Rose.
Thank you, to the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) To the bill.
Leader, you'll remember in our House days, I was actually the sponsor of the bill that allowed local siting of wind. I was that sponsor, because at the time, no one was coming here because they didn't have rules to play by in local counties. So, we worked all Session long with people like the Farm Bureau and the municipalities, the IML, the counties, etc., to come up with that bill, to allow local siting, as the locally elected officials on behalf of their constituents, deem appropriate. And you know what, I represent ten counties in Illinois. I almost represent, well that’s -- tens almost ten percent of the total number of counties in this -- but I almost, probably, represent ten to fourteen percent of the size of this State. I've got several wind farms, several. So I don't want this nonsense that we've discouraged wind farms. I've got several. Few have come through, done a good job. 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 121st Legislative Day 1/8/2023 Most haven't. But, we have them. But the reason the local control is important, and I want to talk about things that are problems in this bill and then I want to really talk about why local control is so important. This bill would mandate 2.1 times the setback from your home, 2.1 times the blade height. On a three-hundred- foot-long blade, that's a little over a tenth of a mile, about a city block. So imagine, you're a professor at the University of Illinois, who's bought your dream home out in the country in Urbana and then one of these goes up in your backyard, professor. Let's imagine your Piatt County, that I currently represent, that Senator Turner is about to represent, it's a very compact geographic county, between Monticello and a few other communities, there's not a whole lot of space left to put this. But there will be a lot of space left if you go with the 2.1 times setback. And by the way, on the topic of Piatt County, Piatt County Board has had fourteen public hearings to listen to the citizens of Piatt County, to listen to their wishes, fourteen. This bill is going to come in and say, forget you guys, we don't care you had fourteen hearings to listen to what people really think about this. We're just going to take away your right to do anything about it. And 2.1 times the length, a city block, in your backyard. I mentioned that professor at the U of I a minute ago. Funny thing is, they don't want it either. University of Illinois was going to put up some windmills around Urbana. Those of you from Chicagoland don't know much about it, Urbana. Urbana is left of Madison. It's probably somewhere between Madison and Berkeley on the progressive leftist scale. This is the Urbana City Council from -- 2010, the U of I, University of Illinois. The brightest minds. We're going to put up windmills in Urbana. Solve that climate change. Or Ben at city council says 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 121st Legislative Day 1/8/2023 uh-oh, not in our backyard. Not in our backyard. But it's okay to put them in our backyard! Now you want to talk about climate change. Let's talk about that. Let's talk the science. The science says, here's the science. The impact of wind energy on wildlife and the environment, papers from the Berlin Seminar, published by the Global Warming Policy Foundation. Here's one from a guy from Oxford. The number of birds killed directly by collision in turbines blades is not insignificant. In one study, the estimated five-hundred and seventy-three thousand birds were killed in a year at a single fifty-one-thousand-megawatt installation. Of those, eighty-three thousand were raptor birds. Why is that important? Because they're the ones that keep all the other species in check. They're the ones who eat mice and rats that prevent vermin from spreading disease. Oh, monarch butterflies. Let's screw that up too. Why is that important? Because we need to eat. Wind turbines, solar. I got Kansas, Illinois, my newest -- my new area in my district. The best farm ground, literally in the world, is now covered in solar. How much more do you guys want to pay for food? And you know what? The funny thing is. We already have a rule that has created plenty of wind energy in Illinois. Just ask me. I can take you. Macon County, multiple fields. Champaign County, multiple fields. Two years ago, we overruled what did the same thing. We overruled the township down in Douglas, put up a whole bunch of in people's backyards in Douglas County. We got plenty of this. And if you let it work, you'll get plenty more, but it will be in places where locally elected officials have said, yeah, that makes sense. That makes sense to put it there. I want to say one other thing, though, because the most interesting thing I read in this, science, there is conclusion at the end that said, 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 121st Legislative Day 1/8/2023 be careful how -- how we trod upon the earth. We don't know what the impacts are going to be. Take your time. Do it right. Here's something, here's something that's real, that has actually happened. By the way, science, National Weather Service. This is from the National Weather Service, the Lincoln Radar Station. By the way, for those of you in Chicago, don't know where Lincoln is. They do the radar for Chicago too. They're the regional radar for the Midwest. 2018, the Taylorville tornado. When Senator Manar was here, we all passed a bill for Senator Manar, because Taylorville got hit by a tornado. 2018, National Weather Service, that tornado produced an EF3 tornado at -- Taylorville. It also produced several EF0 to EF2 tornadoes. For fifteen minutes, the National Weather Service lost track of the frickin tornado. As it loft -- as it left Macon County, on a trajectory, it disappeared. It disappeared in a wind farm. The radar couldn't find it for fifteen minutes. Does that mean Monticello gets hit? Does that mean Argenta-Oreana gets hit? Or does that mean Clinton gets hit? Or Sullivan? I don't know, because nobody knew where it was. And then it did reappear and they were able to track it. That was in 2018. You know what, folks. Last week in that storm, they lost a tornado again. This time for only two minutes. So, you know what? We talk about local siting. Here's what Logan County's local siting is. And by the way, I don't represent Logan County. Logan County said, you know what? We're going to work with the National Weather Service to put these in a place that won't disrupt the radar, to know where the tornadoes are and the strong storms are, so we all don't get killed in the process. I mean, folks, how much more do you want? You want to talk about the environment, ooh we're here for the environment. You guys, people's gas up there in Chicago. 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 121st Legislative Day 1/8/2023 You polluted my aquifer, natural gas. Family can't drink their water. They can literally light their tap water on fire. That was five years ago. Nowhere to be found. Kwame didn't do a damn thing to get them water. The Governor, I've had two -- a bill and a handshake from him in the capital bill to fix their damn water. And to this day, there hasn't been one penny expended on their water. So don't tell me about the damn environment. People's Gas, you store all your damn natural gas to heat your homes. Right now, it's stored under my house. My house. It goes from north of Mahomet to Tuscola, Illinois. They pipe it in from the Gulf Coast all year long. And then the winter, they send it up to Chicago, so you guys can heat your homes and that's fine. But when you screw up my -- when it breaks, the pipeline breaks and screws up my water, you're nowhere to be found. So, yeah, go ahead, how much more do you want? Pollute the hell out of downstate Illinois. Pollute our agriculture. You're going to pay the price. When that storm is coming from Chicago, you won't be able to see it on your damn radar either. When your food prices go up, it's because all the farm grounds gone. Quit polluting everything down my way.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Is there further discussion? Senator Bryant.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Sponsor yield to the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Indicates he'll yield.
Thank you. Gosh, I -- I hate to follow that because previous speakers said a lot of the things that I wanted to say. But, here's the things I notice in this bill and from committee. There is two- 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 121st Legislative Day 1/8/2023 hundred million dollars here that is supposed to go to Ameren customers for some kind of rate relief. There's nothing for Nicor. There is nothing for People's. There's nothing for Ameren Gas. In committee, the statement that was made was that, we need to do something about the MISO grid. So I guess if we go back a year ago, we can look at the fact that the MISO grid is basically being destroyed, because we have some very good clean coal plants that are being shut down. So what we have in this bill is two-hundred million dollars, fake, because it's subject to appropriations, in order to pretend like we're going to give Ameren customers some kind of rate relief that we know is not going to happen. But if we're giving rate relief to folks, then why are we only giving them to some of the Ameren customers and not to all of these other customers who are being destroyed by the MISO grid being destroyed in this State, and all the way across the Midwest? So make no mistake, Members here and my friends at home, who like I, are Ameren customers, there's no relief coming for Ameren customers because if there was, this wouldn't be just subject to appropriations. We would say, that we have to fund the relief. You know as well as I do, that when we say subject to appropriation, it's a glorified way of saying, let's pretend like we're going to do something about it. This is fake, and I urge a No vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Further discussion? Seeing none, Senator Cunningham to close.
Thank -- thank you, Mr. President. I want to start by just correcting the record. It was said earlier in debate that this bill would make Illinois the only state in the country to have statewide regulation of renewable projects. That's false on two 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 121st Legislative Day 1/8/2023 counts. First of all, it will not create statewide siting require -- statewide control of siting. As I mentioned, there will still be local input. Localities can still put ordinances in effect. Localities can still have those hearings that were mentioned. In fact, there's language in the law talking about those -- those hearings. That will still happen. So local control will remain. Secondly, there are many states that completely, one-hundred percent, control siting. This bill does not do that. This bill shares the -- responsibility between counties and the State. So, I just wanted to make that clear. That was said during debate. It is not true. Secondly, I understand the passion that we've heard from the opponents of the bill. I -- I completely understand that. These siting issues create a lot of controversy in -- in places, as I say, completely understandable. But, I think we need to balance out these concerns. And that's what this bill tries to do, in a couple of different ways. First of all, by maintaining the county permitting process and it working in junction with statewide standards, instead of turning the entire thing over to a state agency, as is done in many other states. But the other thing is we -- is getting to the need for new generation in our State, in MISO zone. Coal plants are closing, as you have heard. They're closing. MISO covers a big region. They're -- they're closing outside of Illinois, and that is causing a reduction in the amount of generation that is available in the MISO zone. This bill would address that and since CEJA passed, there's been two procurements by the IPA, where they authorize and help fund renewable developments. There's been a big problem, though. Not a single wind program has been approved in either one of the last two procurements. And that's because no one development company can 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 121st Legislative Day 1/8/2023 get permitted by any county to develop a project. So, we are missing out on these opportunities to get more energy into the MISO grid, which will lower the bills of customers. And we're also missing the opportunity to align policy with the goals of CEJA, which is to bring more renewable energy onto the system. This will do that. This bill strikes that balance. I urge an Aye vote.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Since we've had a long discussion, I want everybody to check their computer to make sure it's ready to receive your vote. Is everybody okay? The question is, shall House Bill 4412 pass. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 33 voting Yea, 17 voting Nay, none voting Present. And House Bill 4412, having received the required constitutional majority, is declared passed. WCIA seeks leave of the Body to record. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. You've been -- you've received Supplemental Calendar No. 1 at your desks. We're going to go to the first one on Supplemental Calendar No. 1. It's a 2nd Reading. It is House Bill 2870. President Harmon, do you wish to proceed? President Harmon wishes to proceed. Mr. Secretary, please read the bill.
House Bill 2870. (Secretary reads title of the bill) 2nd Reading of the bill. No committee or Floor amendments reported.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) 3rd Reading. We're going to go to Supplemental Calendar No. 1. Senator Rose, for what purpose do you seek recognition? 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 121st Legislative Day 1/8/2023
Nothing.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) So, we're on Supplemental Calendar No. 1. Secretary's Desk Concurrence on Senate Bills. Senate Bill 1720. Senator Sims, you wish to proceed? Mr. Secretary, please read the Senator's motion.
I move to concur with the House the adoption of their Amendment No. 3 to Senate Bill 1720. Signed by Senator Sims.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Sims, on your motion.
Thank you, Mr. President. Move to concur with Senate Amendment No. -- with -- Senate Committee -- Senate -- Senate -- House Amendment No. 3 to -- Senate Bill 1720.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Do you want to explain the bill, the motion?
Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Amendment No. 3, to -- or House Amendment No. 3 to Senate Bill 1720, includes the budget -- the second budget implementation bill for fiscal year 2023. Some of the highlights for the edification of Members, is that the bill creates the Warehouse Safe Standards Task Force, and it creates emergency rulemaking authority for the healthcare -- Hate Crimes and Bias Incident Prevention Response Fund. It allows for the University of Illinois and the Toll Highway Authority to use auxiliary firms to -- auxiliary funds to reimburse the State Group Insurance Program. Expands funds for -- funding for Title IV-E, 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 121st Legislative Day 1/8/2023 for quality legal services to foster -- foster youth and the families to improve outcomes in the child welfare system, and establishes that funds received from the Federal Financial Participation and Foster Care Fund can be deposited in the Due Process for Youth and Families Fund. It also directs -- it creates the Hate Crimes and Bias Incident Prevention and Response Fund. Designates that the Department of Human Services as the agency to make grants for the Ronald McDonald House Charities Fund. It removes the 9-1-1 transfer, for 9-8-8 Fund -- Fund, due to the State receiving federal funds. But it also authorizes the transfer of eight-hundred and fifty million dollars into the Budget Stabilization Fund. And it authorizes a transfer of four-hundred million dollars from GRF into the Large Business Attraction Fund. Mr. President, this is a good piece of legislation in advance of the supplemental appropriations bill we will be hearing here later. But this is the -- the authorizing -- the authorizing substantive legislation for that bill, and I would ask for its approval.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Is there a discussion on the motion? Senator DeWitte.
Thank you, Mr. President. To the bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) To the motion.
To the motion, thank you. Senator Sims, thank you for the discussion and debate in committee today. I thought it was robust and informative. One of the issues that I took exception to today, was the discussion regarding this business incentive fund, that basically calls for a four-hundred-thousand-dollar appropriation 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 121st Legislative Day 1/8/2023 four -- four-hundred million, excuse me, four-hundred-million- dollar appropriation as a down payment towards the one-billion- dollar business incentive. Excuse me, the one-billion-dollar business incentive program the Governor is asking for it to have available for business incentive discussions, with potential economic development across the State. I asked a representative of the Governor's Office about legislative oversight, and who will have insight and information as to exactly how this money is going to be spent. I was greatly disappointed to hear that the only -- legislative oversight being proposed with regards to this incentive plan, is to include the Senate President and the Speaker of the House, in any discussions regarding the use of any of these funds. I have nothing against the expertise of the Senate President or the Speaker, but shared my concern that by excluding minority leaders within this oversight process, you basically are telling thirty to forty percent of the taxpaying individuals across this State, that they can't have insight into how their tax dollars being paid into the General Revenue Fund on a yearly basis are going to be spent. I believe every resident of this State deserves to be represented when it comes to determining how their money gets spent. Most distressing was when I asked if the administration would even consider including Minority Leaders from the House and Senate in any of these discussions. The Deputy Governor didn't even say we would consider it. He simply said, no. And that was unfortunate. Every resident of this State that pays taxes to the General Revenue Fund, deserves to have representation into how any of their money gets spent in this State, regardless of the use. I find it very disappointing that this oversight is being so limited. I believe every resident deserves to be heard. I intend to vote No 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 121st Legislative Day 1/8/2023 on this bill. Thank you.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Further discussion? Senator Rose.
Thank you. One question before I go to the bill, if I may, from the sponsor.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Indicates he will yield.
Leader Sims, there was one question that we didn't get asked at the committee hearing, regarding the executive pay raises. There's been a lot of discussion about how they're all going up, not the entire executive branch, but the constitutional officers are going up, and then many others. In the executive branch, constitutional officer increases, those are now going to be tied to CPI. So they will -- will not have to come back to the legislature for further approval? They will get automatic pay raises going forward. And then will they even get an automatic pay raise in the times of recession, when people are out of work and not getting pay raises?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Sims.
Thank you. Thank you, Senator Rose. Is -- the adjustments for constitutional officers always have been tied to inflation. So this is not a new -- that's not a new prospect or as created in this bill.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Rose. 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 121st Legislative Day 1/8/2023
I apologize. Agency directors, Leader Sims, you are correct. I apologize. Agency directors.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Sims.
Yes, and this started the -- the entire discussion started because, as the Governor has mentioned, he is trying to attack -- trying to attract the best and brightest to the State of Illinois. And that -- part of that is, having the ability to have salaries that are competitive with counter -- with our counterparts in other states. So that's how the -- the -- the individuals who are -- you're seeing the increase for agency directors. That discussion came about because you're trying to be able to have competitive salaries for those to attract the best and brightest into those positions, salaries that are commensurate and competitive across the country.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Rose.
Thank you for answering the question. To the bill, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) To the motion.
Ladies and Gentlemen. I too rise in opposition, notwithstanding the fact that I think it's really bad public policy to grant automatic pay raises to anybody. That is in this bill. I think there's more serious and significant problems with this -- 29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 121st Legislative Day 1/8/2023 this legislation. First and foremost, is what my colleague just mentioned with this slush fund for the Governor's Office. And folks, if you think only consulting the Senate President and the Speaker is okay, because you've got the supermajority and there's going to be money, taxpayer money coming from literally millions of Illinoisans, but you couldn't even have the -- be clear, this is Deputy Governor Manar said this at our hearing, not Leader Sims, but Deputy Governor Manar said, they couldn't even be bothered to give the two Minority Leaders in the House and the Senate a heads up on that monies is going to be spent, even when it's in a Member's district on the Republican side of the aisle. And they gave us some song and dance about non-disclosure agreements. And Deputy Governor Manar tried talking down to me about NDAs. I write NDAs for a living. It's pretty easy if you're going to have a carve out on who you can talk to. Usually it's the members, managers, accountants, CPAs, attorneys. There's a whole litany of those things you add in there. Now they're going to carve out the Senate President and the Speaker of the House. And that's fine, as long as you include the minority party too. These are the publics -- these are public dollars. The men and women in your district, just like my district, work hard every day, and we take money out of their check every couple weeks, every month, depending on how they're paid. And yet, we're going to tell millions of those taxpayers, that we're not entitled to know how their money is being spent. That's what was just said. That's what was just said by Deputy Governor Manar, on behalf of Governor Pritzker. That's not right. You all know that. You know that's not right. You know, if the shoe is on the other foot, that wouldn't be right. You should give President Harmon a heads up. You should give Speaker Welch a 30 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 121st Legislative Day 1/8/2023 heads up. But dang it, you should give Leader Elect McCombie and Leader Elect Curran a heads up too. Now, last thing, you're here long enough, you see a lot of stuff. But someone just pointed out to me, that the Illinois General Assembly got a 2.4 percent pay raise in the -- back in the spring's budget that was enacted to take effect July 1st. Now you have another seventeen percent. It's almost twenty percent in six months. If I took a poll of my current district, and I guarantee you, if I took a poll of my new district, which goes to almost Kentucky. Thank you, friends on the other side of the aisle. And said, how many folks in your district got a twenty percent pay raise in six months? There wouldn't be a single hand. That's all I got to say about this.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Further discussion? Senator Bailey.
May I ask the sponsor questions, please?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Indicates he will yield.
Senator, I'm curious, do you know the median income of your district?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Sims.
I do.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Bailey.
Curious, may I know what that is in your district? 31 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 121st Legislative Day 1/8/2023
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Sims.
Is this about the budget implementation bill?
Yes. Is this bill that you're sponsoring, proposing to raise the wages of everyone in this Chamber to eighty-five thousand dollars?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Sims.
Senator, as we have talked about on a number of occasions, the desire has always been to invest in making sure we have a legislature that is doing its best on behalf of the people of the State of Illinois. I just mentioned in my comments earlier, that this came about as the Governor wanted to attract the best and the brightest to the State of Illinois to be agency directors. So the same is true for the legislature. We have a citizen legislature, and what we are trying to make sure we accomplish, is we have individuals who are the best and the brightest who are serving here in this -- in the -- in the people's Senate. And that's what -- that's what this bill does. It makes sure that we invest in making sure that not everyone who is a millionaire, or a billionaire, or wealthy, can afford to serve. But individuals who want to give back to their communities are able to do that.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Bailey.
So, are you suggesting that the best and the brightest 32 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 121st Legislative Day 1/8/2023 currently are not serving here in Springfield on your side of the aisle?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Sims.
Quite the opposite, Senator. I have -- as I have -- as I look across, and I'm not going to just limit it to my side of the aisle, as I like -- as I look across the Illinois Senate, I see an immensely talented group of individuals who care deeply about their communities. And I won't engage in the -- in the -- in -- in going down and trying to denigrate your side of the aisle. I know many -- many of my friends on the other side of the aisle, who are extremely talented. Who are -- who are very capable, who serve their communities to the best of their ability. They give of themselves tirelessly, on your side of the aisle, and on our side of the aisle. And we want to make sure that that continues to happen.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Bailey.
Well, your comment just suggested earlier that you don't have the brightest and the best on your side of the aisle because you need more money to attract that. Didn't we hear this exact same argument four years ago from Governor Pritzker, whenever these -- whenever he insisted that we pay more for these top-level State positions? Yet, interestingly enough, every one of our -- our State agencies seem to be failing today.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Sims. 33 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 121st Legislative Day 1/8/2023
Bailey, I know you know me well enough to know, that you don't have to put words in my mouth. I am very comfortable speaking for myself, and I said nothing of the sort, that on our side of the aisle is not the best and the brightest. What I also said to you was that I'm not going to denigrate this Chamber, nor am I going to denigrate your side of the aisle by suggesting that the best and the brightest are not here. What I am saying to you, is that what we are attempting to do is make sure we continue to have individuals who are the best and the brightest, who don't make -- who do not walk away from public service because we are -- we -- in just that very line of attack, is why individuals do not want to go into public service, because they are looking at the challenges that are raised and the -- and the disrespect and dismissiveness that have been talked about and have seeped into our public discourse. It is not -- is not okay to suggest that the best and the brightest are not serving here. That individuals on this side of the aisle don't have the best interest of their communities at heart. It is not okay to say that, because it is just not true.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Bailey.
So you're suggesting that you need eighty-five thousand dollars next year and thereafter. Would you care to share with the public right now, what your leadership and what your committee assignments, how much extra on top of your current salary you are earning because of that?
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) 34 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 121st Legislative Day 1/8/2023 Senator Sims.
Senator, I have addressed your issue. I have addressed your concern. I have said to you, why this is here. You may not agree with me, and that is your right, sir. It is your right not to agree with me. This is the people's Senate, where we have these discussions, where we have these debates. And you are free to disagree with me. That's fine. It is -- you are free to not vote for this. That's fine. That is your prerogative. I am telling you the purpose of this -- of this -- this portion of the bill. I have answered it. I can't answer it any other way. I don't know what else you want me to say, Senator.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Bailey.
In your -- I'm assuming your staffer informed you of what your median income was in your district. What is that, since that was my first question.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Sims.
Senator, again, we can do this all night. I'm certainly okay with that. I'm comfortable doing this. I like talking to you. But, if we're going to have a discussion about what the legislation does, let's have that. Let's have that discussion.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Senator Bailey.
Well, I'm sorry you don't care to share the truth and the 35 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 121st Legislative Day 1/8/2023 facts with the people of Illinois because this legislation increases legislature pay raise to eighty-five thousand dollars. Which I think is absolutely pathetic, in light of the fact that people in your district, the average median income is forty-three thousand dollars. It's around thirty thousand in towns like Rockford, and Peoria, and Decatur and Cicero. Down in my area, it's twenty-eight to thirty thousand because of the many opportunities that have been taken away throughout the years because of the regulations and the needless acts of this Body. So, friends, it's time to get real with the people. We don't need more money to do this job. We're just -- you're -- you're -- you're destroying the State with all this needless junk that we're passing. That doesn't deserve more money. More money is not the answer. What we need is people who desire to do what is right for the State of Illinois. To the bill, please.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) To the motion.
This has got to be the epitome of disgrace right here. I mean, I've witnessed everything these last four years, but to sit here in these final days and suggest these types of dollars, for these positions, is absolutely wrong. Teachers, truck drivers, waitresses, think about you -- go back to the people sitting at the desk -- sitting these long hours at home right now. Go out to the security guards right now who are protecting us, and tell them that you're worth eighty-five thousand dollars. And ask them what way they think. Please do that. Friends, it's time to get real, and get this State under control. And we're only going to do that when we stop wasting the taxpayer's money and doing things that 36 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 121st Legislative Day 1/8/2023 make people desire to come back here to Illinois. Please vote No.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Further discussion? Seeing none, Senator Sims, to close.
Thank you, Mr. President, and Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. As I -- as I mentioned a little bit ago, one of the reasons you are seeing a dearth of individuals who want to go into public -- public service, is because of the attacks, the personal and/or professional attacks that they -- that they see. You know, I would love for all of us to be able to -- to be millionaires and billionaires. I would love for all of us to be able to -- to -- to be wealthy. That's just not the case. Some of us get million- dollar subsidies from the federal government to be able to do our business and -- and operate. That's not the case for everybody. I would love for the opportunity for everyone to be able to do what is -- what is -- what -- what to -- to -- to serve without concern. But the reality is, in order for us to attract the best and the brightest, we need to make sure that we are being competitive. We -- that's what -- that's the reason why the Governor brought his proposal forward. That is one of the reasons you see this proposal in the -- in the budget implementation bill. That's why this is here. We are -- we are focusing on making sure we have the individuals who have the utmost consideration and concern for their -- their constituents. That's what this bill does. You have, what we have not talked about in this -- in this legislation is, there are -- is over a hundred and sixty million dollars for asylum seekers, who are in -- who are coming to this State, who have been forced here by governors of Florida and Texas. Folks who are coming here to find, just to find a better way of life. What's not been 37 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 121st Legislative Day 1/8/2023 talked about is the 1.25 billion dollars in fiscal responsibility investments we are making with this legislation. Eight hundred and fifty million dollars into our State's Rainy Fund -- Rainy Day Fund. Four-hundred million dollars into our… fund that will help attract job creators and businesses to this State. Let's stop playing politics. I will agree with one thing with one of the previous speakers. It is a disgrace. It's a disgrace that we cannot have a substantive discussion about a piece of legislation, without it devolving into politics. Vote Aye.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Again, would you please make sure your computer is ready to accept your vote? And the question is, shall the Senate concur with Senate Bill 1720, Amendment No. 3. All those in favor will vote Aye. Opposed, Nay. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Take the record. On that question, there are 30 voting Yea, 21 voting Nay, none voting Present. And having received the required constitutional majority, Senate does concur in House Amendment 3 to Senate Bill 1720, and the bill is declared passed. Illinois Times seeks leave of the Body to do photos. Seeing no objection, leave is granted. Senator Hunter, for what purpose do you seek recognition?
For the purpose of an announcement, Mr. President.
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Please state your announcement.
The Democrats will caucus in Room 212 of the Capitol for approximately one hour. 38 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGULAR SESSION SENATE TRANSCRIPT 121st Legislative Day 1/8/2023
PRESIDING OFFICER: (SENATOR KOEHLER) Let me also make a -- no. Let me make an announcement as well. The Executive Committee will meet at 9 a.m. in Room 212 tomorrow morning, 212, tomorrow morning at 9 a.m. for the Executive Committee. There being no further business to come before the Senate, the Senate stands adjourned until 1:30 p.m. on January 9th, 2023. If the inauguration goes after or past 1:30, the Senate will convene after adjournment. The Senate stands adjourned. 39